Artie Lange The NFL Needs aGay Jackie Robinson

2/5/2013 7:15 AM PST BY TMZ STAFF

EXCLUSIVE

Artie Lange says he WASN'T shocked by Chris Culliver's homophobic remarks during his explosive pre-Super Bowl interview with the 49ers player ... 'cause Chris' anti-gay feelings are probably shared by 99% of the NFL.

FYI -- Lange was the man who interviewed Culliver during Super Bowl week ... and is responsible for releasing the footage of Chris saying gay players are NOT welcome in the team's locker room.

"I hope he learns from it," Lange said after he arrived at JFK ... "and I hope I'm responsible for breaking the gay barrier in the NFL."

Lange says he hopes NFL players will become more tolerant of gay players ... but he doesn't think that will happen until an active gay player comes out of the closet.

"I think unfortunately what Culliver said reflects what 99 % of the league thinks," Lange says.

"What's gonna have to happen is a real star player ... a Jackie Robinson type ... a real star player is gonna have to come out WHILE HE'S PLAYING ... and other people will follow."

As for Culliver, the 49ers have announced he'll undergo sensitivity training with an LGBT organization.